Handheld torque and linear force meter

Abstract

A handheld torque measuring meter adapted to measure the downward thrust and torsional force required to apply or remove a screw type closure from the threaded neck or finish of an associated container is disclosed, the handheld meter having a first portion graspable a user, a member adapted to receive a portion of a closure of a container, means connecting said main body to said member including a load cell, and a means for displaying a measurement adapted to receive the output signal from the load cell and indicate one of the torsional force and the linear force required to effect a movement of the closure relative to the associated container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 021,397 filed on Jan. 16, 2008.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to torque measuring meters, and more particularly to a handheld meter for measuring the downward thrust and torsional force required to apply or remove a screw type closure from the threaded neck or finish of an associated container.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the manufacture of containers comprising combinations of screw-type closures with associated containers, it often becomes necessary or desirable to determine the degree to which the threaded closure complies with applicable torque specifications. For example, the torque with which a threaded closure is applied must be of a certain magnitude to properly seal the container so the closure does not become loose during shipment. Child resistant safety closures may comprise an internally threaded inn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]in an embodiment of the invention, the handheld meter for measuring the torque and thrust required to apply or remove a threaded closure from the finish of a container, comprises a main body graspable by a hand of a user; container closure receiving means adapted to receive a portion of a closure of a container; means connecting said main body to said closure receiving means, said means including a load cell, wherein the load cell produces an output signal in response to one of a torsional force on a closure required to cause axial movement between the closure and a threaded finish of a container and a linear force required to apply or remove the closure; and a means for displaying a measurement in electrical communication with the load cell and adapted to receive the output signal therefrom and indicate one of the torsional force and the linear force required to effect a movement of the closure relative to the container.

[0009]In another embodiment of the invention, the handheld meter for measuring the torque and thrust required to apply or remove a threaded closure from the finish of a container, comprises a main body graspable by the hand of a user; a member having a cavity formed therein and adapted to receive a portion of a closure of a container; means connecting said main body to said member, said means including a load cell, wherein the load cell produc

Problems solved by technology

The time required to remove the sample container from a production line for testing may be significant and result in unacceptable production.

Consequently, torque data produced is often non-uniform and non-reliable in comparison to industry standards.

Images